The Times is doing a series of articles highlighting common laws and rules. Today, we examine the need to leave wild animals alone. To suggest a law for The Times to highlight, contact the writer.

This is the time of year when deer give birth and their fawns are often spotted alone, as if they are abandoned. But almost all of the time, they're not really abandoned.

The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is reminding people it is illegal to possess or "rescue" wild animals unless you have the proper permit. Conservation Officer Gene Davis said state and federal laws make it illegal to take wild animals.

Davis said baby deer, raccoons and birds are among the animals most commonly approached by people.

"They will see a fawn laying by itself and assume the mother has been killed or run off," Davis said.

Davis said deer protect their fawns by leaving them alone. The baby deer have almost no scent, so they are not likely to be located by predators if they are hiding.

Davis advises people to not interfere with nature.

"It starts a myriad of problems," Davis said of having humans caring for wild animals. "It almost always turns out to be a bad situation for the animals."

Davis said it is difficult to raise a wild animal, and doing so does not allow the animal to learn to get its own food. Davis said it is best to let animals learn how to fend for themselves. About the only situation a person might want to get involved is if they see a deer has just been struck by a car and its fawn is wandering around the area.

Anyone who encounters a wild animal that is definitely injured or abandoned can contact the Department of Natural Resources through their local police department.